The Warburg effect in cancer cells refers to:
- A Preferential use of oxidative phosphorylation even in hypoxic conditions
- B Aerobic glycolysis — high glucose uptake and lactate production even in the presence of oxygen ✓
- C Complete inhibition of the TCA cycle in all cancer cells
- D Exclusive dependence on fatty acid oxidation for ATP generation
Correct answer: B. Aerobic glycolysis — high glucose uptake and lactate production even in the presence of oxygen
Explanation
The Warburg effect describes cancer cells preferentially converting glucose to lactate via glycolysis even when oxygen is abundant (aerobic glycolysis), unlike normal cells that use OXPHOS in oxygen. This provides biosynthetic precursors for rapid proliferation at the cost of ATP efficiency. The TCA cycle is not completely absent — it is repurposed for anabolic substrates. Fatty acid oxidation supports some cancers but is not the Warburg definition.
Reference: Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry, 32nd ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.